#65-HARVARD

HARVARD TRAILS

HARVARD CONSERVATION TRUST


HARVARD MASS. OPEN SPACE MAP


JACOBS LANE CONSERVATION LAND

PIN HILL

Known on geological maps as the “Harvard Conglomerate,” Pin Hill forms one of Harvard’s most important geological and historical landmarks.

The path is relatively short, and can be accessed on either end by Depot Road, one end approximately 200 feet east from the intersection of Under Pin Hill Road, and the northern end 400 feet south from the intersection of Mill Road.

The path leads over Pin Hill and wanders past numerous quarry holes, pools, and slate ledges


GINNY'S WOODLAND PATH

Ginny’s Woodland Path is an alternative option as the only wheelchair accessible trail in the town, according to Wendy Sisson, vice chairman of the Conservation Commission. The path is named for Virginia Thurston, a Harvard resident who died of breast cancer in 1999.

The trailhead is located at the track and playground off of Lancaster County Road. Access is at the far end of the parking lot, behind the playground.

Holy Hill

The “Holy Hill of Zion” is the name of the worship area created on this land by the Harvard Shaker community in 1842–1843. They cleared, leveled, and fenced half an acre of land and then planted a double row of maple trees around it. They also placed a special “Lord’s Stone” in the area. Elaborate religious ceremonies took place on Holy Hill. Today, several trails run through the area. Enter from South Shaker Road, opposite the entrance to the Kaufmann land. Three other trails lead from the Holy Hill itself.

Kaufmann Land

South Shaker Road, across from Holy Hill. Land links Holy Hill to the north and the Town Forest to the south. Area is mainly flat and gently sloping, good for walking, cross-country skiing, and riding.

Old Mill Road

A 24-acre property off Old Mill Road near Blanchard Road, originally part of Fort Devens, contains three distinct ecosystems: a pine barrens, upland woodland, and the Cold Spring Brook waterway. Trails are ideal for walking, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding.

Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge

Formerly part of Fort Devens, this 1,600-acre refuge is accessed off Route 110, Still River Depot Road. Freshwater wetlands and uplands along the floodplain of the Nashua River. Managed primarily for migratory birds and woodcock, the refuge also has an active beaver colony. Activities include hiking, cross-country skiing, small game hunting, canoeing, and fishing.

HARVARD TOWN FOREST

Town Forest

Harvard’s original conservation land. Enter through the Kaufmann land from the north, or Poor Farm Road in the south, near the gravesite of Benjamin Steward, a victim of smallpox, who served in the French and Indian War and later became a captain in the colonial army

Williams Land

One of the most picturesque valleys in Harvard, the 64-acre property consists of rolling fields, including a prominent drumlin known as Round Hill, and 30 acres of forested land in the rear. Round Hill is a popular winter sledding spot and favorite of local birdwatchers – look for green heron, great blue heron, mallard, wood duck, and kingfisher. Enter off Murray Lane.

Trail maps for these and other conservation lands are available from the Harvard Conservation Trust, P.O. Box 31, Harvard, MA 01451 and can be purchased at the Harvard General Store on the Common.

HARVARD PARK

Harvard Park is another example of the exceptional open spaces that abound in town. The park was purchased and designed by the town to provide residents with 30 acres of treasured outdoor opportunities. This included a successful community fundraising effort to build the McCurdy Track, named after Harvard University’s inspirational track coach William “Bill” McCurdy, a Harvard resident who passed away in 1999.

FRUITLANDS MUSEUM AND TRAILS

FRUITLANDS MUSEUM TRAIL MAP
FRUITLANDS MUSEUM


BARE HILL POND

BARE HILL POND





Thanks to Harvard Post for use of this information